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A cherry warehouse becomes a 38 m² cottage in the UK
Originally situated in the middle of a beautiful orchard, this typical English brick building was first used as a storage warehouse for cherries before being transformed into a garden shed, then a garage and workshop. Now it serves a new function as a lovely home.
As with all the rooms in the project, Tak Studio opted for reuse to create this bathroom. Victorian tiles and wood planks come from another one of the agency’s projects, while all the doors were salvaged from the owner’s childhood home.
As Tak’s client is a sustainable development consultant, she was particularly keen to put into practice what she preaches on a daily basis. The project is therefore exemplary in terms of both insulation and the origin of the materials used.
Though compact, the kitchen is one of the highlights of the project. Brass fittings, handles and shelf supports harmonize with the wooden worktop.
A high window, well above the kitchen, illuminates the mezzanine. From the bed, you can look out to the horizon. The bedroom is based on the volume of the bathroom, clad in green-painted wooden floorboards.
The small overhang formerly used as an access door to the former garage now serves as a dining alcove. A large window at the top of the gable wall provides excellent light throughout the house.
Tak studio opened up as much of the space as possible to take advantage of natural light throughout the day. As a result, the apartment comprises just one room, along with a mezzanine that allows the ground and upper floors to interact.
The mezzanine’s metal railing was made in a small local workshop some fifteen kilometers away. Depending on the time of day, windows or railings cast delicate shadows on the walls.
Tak studio uses light, natural colors to enhance the extraordinary light that penetrates three sides of this compact volume.
The wooden staircase leading to the mezzanine bedroom abuts the house’s only blind wall. Sitting on the steps is Aleksandra Cannock, founding architect of Tak Studio.
Visible from the mezzanine, the cathedral ceiling and exposed beams lend the room a special charm. The white balustrade appears here in all its finesse and elegance.
Tak studio retained all the existing windows, positioned at somewhat random heights, to provide natural light on the ground and upper floors.
The architect is full of tricks for adapting existing spaces. For example, to avoid having to move an opening located between the bedroom and the staircase, Aleksandra Cannock suggested ending the wall separating the two spaces before the window, and filling in the gap with a railing.
The first floor is covered with terracotta tiles upcycled from an abandoned building, as visible from the upper floor. The use of natural and recycled materials adds character to the project.
Tak studio advocates that reuse should not be systematically associated with something less aesthetically interesting. Missing accomplished!
Banister
Beams
Mezzanine
Staircase
Terracotta
Upcycling
Wood
Photos : Peter Molloy
Text : Coline Jacquet
Architect : Tak Studio